17.04.2016 Poem
Matrix at Bochum (Germany)
Calling Poem newcomers wouldn’t be quite accurate. The band from Greece was formed in 2006, and with the release of their second album “Skein Syndrome” in March, Amorphis invited them to join their European tour. So now, the four musicians take the small stage at Matrix Bochum, captivating the audience that has already gathered at the start.
Right from the beginning, they kick off their set with “Passive Observer”, the album’s opener, delivering a powerful start. With their progressive rock sound, front man Giorgos Prokopius and his band mates manage to engage even the not-so-packed rows. For a progressive band, their approach is surprisingly straightforward, avoiding frequent dives into epic technical passages. That they’re not just about hard-hitting riffs becomes evident with “Bound Insanity”, which leans more into psychedelic tones. Despite their generally melancholic vibe, Prokopius, along with lead guitarist Laurence Bergstrom, bassist Stratos Chaidos, and drummer Stavros Rigos, keeps the atmosphere energetic.
I found them genuinely entertaining. Anyone who appreciates intricate, technically skilled rock should give them a listen. While I don’t find them outstanding just yet, I think “Skein Syndrome” puts them on the right path. Watching their further development could be quite exciting.
Setlist:
- Passive Observer
- Fragments
- Desire
- Bound Insanity
- Remission Of Breath
Weblinks:
 | Poem Homepage of the Greek band Poem. |
 | Matrix Bochum Homepage of the Matrix at Bochum (Germany). |
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